August 15, 2006
Where the Hell is Rijstafel?
A reader wrote to us asking if we knew where one could find rijstafel in the city. Sure -- we love a challenge! But first, we actually had to find out what it was. Wikipedia was able to shed some light on the subject:
An Indonesian rice table (in Dutch, rijsttafel) consists of rice accompanied by several, often spicy side dishes served buffet-style. Popular side dishes include egg rolls, sambals, satay, fish, fruit, vegetables, pickles, and nuts. It is a Dutch colonial adaptation of the Indonesian makan besar, and popular in both Indonesia and the Netherlands.
Aha! Armed with that important bit of knowledge, we began our search. There aren't a huge number of Indonesian restaurants in the city, so our choices were fairly narrow, but we had one direct hit: Java Indonesian Rijsttafel in Brooklyn, which serves a rijstafel comprised of sixteen dishes, according to Gayot.com. Bali Nusa Indah also serves one, as we confirmed from their menu.
Although we came across other Indonesian restaurants, we couldn't confirm that any of them served rijstaffel. We'd love to know if you've spotted it on a menu (or better yet, tasted it) somewhere in the five boroughs.
We also managed to find a DIY rijstafel with recipes, in case you don't feel like making a special pilgrimage.
Java Indonesian Rijsttafel
455 Seventh Ave. (16th St.)
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-832-4583
Bali Nusa Indah
651 9th Ave.
New York, NY 10036
212-265-2200
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Good sleuthing! A rijstafel is a fabulous and unusual meal. I had the real thing in Amsterdam this past winter but it's always nice to be able to stay stateside, too!
After first having a rijstafel in Amsterdam, I found Java and started getting one there every two months or so. The restaurant is nothing fancy, but it's a really great meal. I keep going back, so I'd certainly recommend it.
With the explosion of fine dining in Park Slope, I've pretty much forgotten about Java. Used to go there fairly regularly. A few years ago, they subdivided their space, so their seating capacity is far less than it used to be. My memory is that their rijstafel was quite good and that the chef was more than willing to accomodate vegetarians. With this reminder, I'll be sure to check it out again soon...between visits to Al Di La, Stone Park, etc.
My wife is from Amsterdam so I've had my fair share of rijstafelen. We've eaten at Java a few times. Though I like the family style no frill approach, I just don't think the food was that good.
If you are in Amsterdam get the rijstafel at Kantijl en de Tiger. Best quality for the best price.
Sorry - just to add a productive comment to my last statement...
I have eaten pretty decent rijstafel at Eastanah on Lafayette (East Soho)...
Eastanah
212 Lafayette St
Btwn Kenmare & Spring St
Phone: 212-625-9633
A rijsttafel in NYC is certainly unusual, but relatively expensive and can't compare to the competition in Amsterdam. When I ordered Rendang in Java, Brooklyn the owner came out to tell me that they only serve "American" rendang, a non-tasty version of the original recipe. When he found out that I'm Dutch, he said "you wouldn't like it". Kudos for the man's honesty!
I went to Java on 7th ave. Don't bother. The food was utter crap. Warmed-over microwaved meals, undifferntiable food masses, ugh. Gross.
My comments regarding a recent visit to Bali Nusa Indah:
http://www.43places.com/entries/view/1136375